June 15, 2018 OTTAWA, ON – Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett, director of the Cardus Religious Freedom Institute, has released the following statement regarding today’s decision by the Supreme Court of Canada: “The Supreme Court of Canada has consigned the fundamental right to freedom of conscience and religion to second class status with its decision on Trinity Western University. This upholds a narrow understanding of diversity in which people of faith are relegated to the private sphere. Canadians of all faiths will have less latitude to publicly dissent from majority opinions on social issues that clash with their beliefs. Now more than ever we need a robust and clear defence of freedom of conscience and religion and public faith.” MEDIA INQUIRIES Daniel Proussalidis    Cardus - Director of Communications    613.241.4500 x.508    dproussalidis@cardus.caAbout Cardus Cardus is a non-partisan, faith-based think tank, and registered charity dedicated to promoting a flourishing society through independent research, robust public dialogue, and thought-provoking commentary. To learn more, visit our website, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

In 2018 five awards were awarded:Group Excellence Award: a group award of up to $8,000. Excellence in Elementary Teaching Award: an individual award of $5,000. Excellence in Secondary Teaching Award: an individual award of $5,000. Excellence in the Teaching of Creative and Performing Arts: an individual award of $5,000. Excellence in Global Perspective Teaching Award: an individual award of $5,000.Group Excellence Award   Hamilton District Christian High School - Winner Richard Van Egmond, Jared PatusExcellence in Elementary Teaching AwardTrinity Christian School, Burlington Audrey McGregorTimothy Christian School, Owen Sound - Winner Cara BarwellExcellence in Secondary Teaching AwardHamilton District Christian High School Leon HordykLondon District Christian High School - Winner Corrina CameronLondon District Christian High School Matt RockExcellence in the Teaching of Creative and Performing ArtsHamilton District Christian High School - Winner Jonathan DeVriesTimothy Christian School, Barrie Nicole StrikwerdaNorthumberland Christian School Alison YoungExcellence in Global Perspective Teaching AwardGuido de Bres Christian High School, Hamilton - Winner Laurie KoningTimothy Christian School, Barrie Andrew Wilcox, Nicole StrikwerdaToronto District Christian High School Rachael Weening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 13, 2018   HAMILTON, ON – A London high school teacher is taking home a prestigious John Rozema Award for Teacher Excellence. The Rozema Awards recognize teachers at independent Christian schools in Ontario who nurture student character, local community engagement, and improved school culture in addition to academic performance. This year’s winners excelled in teaching independent Christian school students to care for their communities and natural environment.Corrina Cameron at London Christian High School took the $5,000 award in the Excellence in Secondary School Teaching category. Her students partnered with a local church to help learn about poverty in London. The students did video interviews with homeless and low-income residents participating in the local church’s community program, which taught the students about the humanity, dignity, and value of these members of London’s community.“Independent Christian schools deserve recognition for their commitment to excellence in teaching, which is why the Rozema Awards exist,” said Dr. Beth Green, Cardus Education program director. “The caliber of this year’s winners and shortlisted entries shows that all Christian schools are a vital part of Ontario’s education system.”Teachers from Hamilton and Owen Sound won in the Elementary, Global Perspectives, Arts, and Group Excellence categories, rounding out this year’s winners. The June 13th awards reception in Hamilton handed out a total of $28,000 in awards to be used for the winning teachers’ professional development. Videos of the winners and runners-up are available online.The John Rozema Awards for Teacher Excellence are presented in partnership with the Christian School Foundation.-30-MEDIA INQUIRIES      Daniel Proussalidis  Cardus - Director of Communications  613-899-5174  dproussalidis@cardus.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 13, 2018HAMILTON, ON – Four Hamilton teachers are taking home a prestigious John Rozema Award for Teacher Excellence. The Rozema Awards recognize teachers at independent Christian schools in Ontario who nurture student character, local community engagement, and improved school culture in addition to academic performance. This year’s winners excelled in teaching independent Christian school students to care for their communities and natural environment.Laurie Koning at Hamilton’s Guido de Brès High School took the $5,000 award in the Excellence in Global Perspective category – a brand new category. The geography and science teacher led her students in creating a campaign to raise public awareness about the drought, famine, and war that plague South Sudan by creating storybooks, presentations, calendars, fundraisers, and special bracelets.Jonathan De Vries at Hamilton District Christian High School won the $5,000 award in the Excellence in the Teaching of Creative and Performing Arts category. The art teacher’s students used the Smoky Hollow Falls along the Bruce Trail to inspire them to create paintings, which they then sold, raising awareness about the eco-park system and raising funds for community meal programs.Richard Van Egmond and Jared Patus at Hamilton District Christian High School earned the Group Excellence award. Using a special school co-op learning and career exploration program, their students built a disc golf course on campus as a creative and positive response to community needs.“Independent Christian schools deserve recognition for their commitment to excellence in teaching, which is why the Rozema Awards exist,” said Dr. Beth Green, Cardus Education program director. “The caliber of this year’s winners and shortlisted entries shows that all Christian schools are a vital part of Ontario’s education system.”Teachers from London and Owen Sound won in the Elementary and Secondary Teaching Excellence categories, rounding out this year’s winners. The June 13th awards reception in the Rock Garden of the Royal Botanical Gardens handed out a total of $28,000 in awards to be used for the winning teachers’ professional development. Videos of the winners and runners-up are available online.The John Rozema Awards for Teacher Excellence are presented in partnership with the Christian School Foundation.-30-MEDIA INQUIRIES       Daniel Proussalidis  Cardus - Director of Communications  613-899-5174  dproussalidis@cardus.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 13, 2018   HAMILTON, ON – An Owen Sound teacher is taking home a prestigious John Rozema Award for Teacher Excellence. The Rozema Awards recognize teachers at independent Christian schools in Ontario who nurture student character, local community engagement, and improved school culture in addition to academic performance. This year’s winners excelled in teaching independent Christian school students to care for their communities and natural environment.Cara Barwell at Timothy Christian School took the $5,000 award in the Excellence in Elementary School Teaching category. Her students visited the Bognor Marsh three times throughout the school year, learning about seasonal changes. They created a calendar featuring their own artwork and research on marsh wildlife to display what they’d learned about this sensitive and valuable ecosystem.“Independent Christian schools deserve recognition for their commitment to excellence in teaching, which is why the Rozema Awards exist,” said Dr. Beth Green, Cardus Education program director. “The caliber of this year’s winners and shortlisted entries shows that all Christian schools are a vital part of Ontario’s education system.”Teachers from Hamilton and London won in the Global Perspectives, Arts, and Group Excellence, and Secondary School categories, rounding out this year’s winners. The June 13th awards reception in Hamilton handed out a total of $28,000 in awards to be used for the winning teachers’ professional development. Videos of the winners and runners-up are available online.The John Rozema Awards for Teacher Excellence are presented in partnership with the Christian School Foundation.-30-MEDIA INQUIRIES      Daniel Proussalidis  Cardus - Director of Communications  613-899-5174  dproussalidis@cardus.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 17, 2018 CALGARY – Think tank Cardus has sparked the beginning of a new, national conversation on renewing Canadian federalism. “Sometimes you have to get out of the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal triangle to start a new conversation about building a grander vision for Canada,” said Cardus President and CEO Michael Van Pelt. “And one of the best places to do that is the vibrant city of Calgary, with its frontier spirit and willingness to challenge the status quo.”Cardus gathered an audience of business, political, and civil society leaders at the Glenbow Museum to hear from three deep-thinking Albertans – UCP Leader Jason Kenney, University of Calgary Faculty of Law Journalist-in-Residence Jen Gerson, and Oxford House Executive Director Patrick Nixon – about a federalism that goes beyond jurisdictional disputes and disagreements over transfer payments. Mr. Kenney delivered opening remarks, taking a step back from the politics of the day to examine the foundations of federalism in the face of new social and economic realities. Ms. Gerson and Mr. Nixon served as respondents, offering their own thoughts and participating in a moderated discussion with Mr. Kenney focused on developing a shared sense of the common good within a pluralistic society.“It was exciting to hear acknowledgement that governments have a role in building the common good, but that they also have their limits,” says discussion moderator and Cardus Executive Vice President Ray Pennings. “That opens up the possibility of renewing the role for all the mediating institutions between governments on the one hand, and the market on the other. One of those institutions is civil society – charities, faith communities, and volunteer organizations – that must play a bigger role in Canada. We’ll have a renewed federalism when we make space for civil society to help our families, workplaces, and communities flourish.”To arrange for interviews with a Cardus spokesperson, please, contact Daniel Proussalidis.-30-MEDIA INQUIRIES    Daniel Proussalidis  Cardus - Director of Communications  613-899-5174  dproussalidis@cardus.ca    

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 9, 2018OTTAWA – Today, Cardus launched the Cardus Religious Freedom Institute (CRFI) – a new national advocate for the defence of domestic religious freedom. Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett, who will lead the CRFI, says the new Institute comes at a crucial time in our national life.“When Canadians are compelled to violate their consciences in order to participate in a public program like Canada Summer Jobs or regulators of the legal profession can marginalize a faith-based university because the school’s religious beliefs, you know we’ve reached a new low in Canadian religious freedom,” he says. “Respect for public faith has degraded so dramatically that we need to re-educate our public institutions about it.”A multi-faith advisory council will provide counsel to Rev. Dr. Bennett and the CRFI.  The CRFI will research Canadian religious freedom issues in order to educate Canadians and to strengthen the national network of religious freedom advocates.“Central to the Institute’s work is the understanding that religious freedom is the fundamental right of all people, their communities, and their institutions to live out their most deeply held beliefs in both public and private contexts,” he says.Rev. Dr. Bennett is one of Canada’s top advocates for religious freedom, having served as Canada’s first ambassador for religious freedom. He is also a senior fellow of the Washington D.C.-based Religious Freedom Institute (RFI) where he serves as a leader of the RFI’s Action Teams for International Religious Freedom Policy and for North America.To arrange for interviews with Rev. Dr. Bennett, please, contact Daniel Proussalidis.-30-MEDIA INQUIRIESDaniel Proussalidis Cardus - Director of Communications 613-241-4500 x508 dproussalidis@cardus.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25, 2018 HAMILTON – A new case study of end-of-life care in Hamilton has found that the city’s “current infrastructure is not enough to handle the future needs of palliative care as the ‘silver tsunami’ of baby boomers draws near.” According to the study by Cardus senior researcher Doug Sikkema, Hamilton already has just 91 long-term care beds per thousand senior citizens. On average in any given month, there is a list of 762 patients waiting for a long-term care bed – where many Hamilton residents receive end-of-life care. “When it comes to end-of-life care in Hamilton there is still a significant gap between what we need and what we have,” says Sikkema in the case study. The study also found that while improving health infrastructure is important, it is insufficient on its own. Based on interviews with key stakeholders involved in palliative and end-of-life care in Hamilton, the report notes that the city needs:Community-based end-of-life care that involves more than just medical professionals providing for the needs of the dying. This would give natural caregivers, such as family, friends, and faith communities, a larger role in helping those nearing the end of their lives. Better coordination between the medical profession and other end-of-life care providers, such as hospices, home-care helpers, or community organizations. This would allow a seamless transition toward end-of-life support. A cultural transformation in how we think about, prepare for, and talk about death. This would allow for better advanced planning and preparation for the end of life.The Hamilton case study, and a companion study looking at the City of Ottawa, were released during two panel discussions on the evening of 24 April at McMaster Innovation Park. The panel discussions involved Dr. Joshua Shadd, Director of the Division of Palliative Care at McMaster University, Clare Freeman, Director of The Bob Kemp Hospice, and Rev. Dr. Bill DeJong, Pastor of Blessings Church, as well as MPPs John Fraser, France Gélinas, and Sam Oosterhoff discussing political responses to the need for better end-of-life care.-30-MEDIA INQUIRIES Daniel Proussalidis Cardus - Director of Communications 613.241-4500x508 dproussalidis@cardus.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 19, 2018 HAMILTON –Fourteen teachers from eight Ontario Christian schools are on the newly released shortlist of submissions for the third annual John Rozema Awards for Teacher Excellence. The 2018 awards include a new category for submissions, Excellence in Global Perspective Teaching, sponsored by EduDeo Ministries. With $28,000 in awards, the third annual Rozema Awards will be the largest ever. “At our prize gala on June 13th in Hamilton, we will again recognize excellence as an ongoing investment into the life of a Christian school community and a positive contribution to the public good,” said Dr. Beth Green, Cardus Education program director. “And excellence in teaching is not limited to academic performance. It also includes nurturing student character, engaging the local community, and improving school culture.” The 2018 Rozema Awards Committee has shortlisted the following submissions, recognizing each school community’s reputation for giftedness and excellent practice: Excellence in Global Perspective Teaching Guido de Brès Christian High School, Hamilton - Laurie Koning Timothy Christian School, Barrie - Andrew Wilcox and Nicole Strikwerda Toronto District Christian High School - Rachael Weening Excellence in the Teaching of Creative and Performing Arts Hamilton District Christian High School - Jonathan DeVries Northumberland Christian School, Cobourg - Alison Young Timothy Christian School, Barrie - Nicole Strikwerda Excellence in Secondary Teaching London Christian High School - Corrina Cameron London Christian High School - Matt Rock Hamilton District Christian High School - Leon Hordyk Excellence in Elementary Teaching Timothy Christian School, Owen Sound - Cara Barwell Trinity Christian School, Burlington - Audrey McGregor Group Excellence Hamilton District Christian High School - Richard Van Egmond and Jared Patus* *Given the small pool of Christian schools in Ontario, there was only one submission in the Group Excellence category this year. The awards committee evaluates every submission on its merits, and is pleased to confirm the place of the single Group Excellence submission among the top tier of award applications for 2018. The John Rozema Awards for Teacher Excellence are presented in partnership with the Christian School Foundation. For more information on the awards, please, click here.-30- MEDIA INQUIRIES Daniel Proussalidis Cardus - Director of Communications 613.241-4500x508 dproussalidis@cardus.ca